The United States of America (USA) has filed a notice to the United Nations stating its intention to formally withdraw from the Paris Climate Accord.
The notice was greeted with utter disappointment from other countries who are part of the accord and had been counting on the support of one of the world's biggest economies.
"Today we begin the formal process of withdrawing from the Paris Agreement. The U.S. is proud of our record as a world leader in reducing all emissions, fostering resilience, growing our economy, and ensuring energy for our citizens. Ours is a realistic and pragmatic model," read the tweet.
US secretary of state Mike Pompeo announced the move on Twitter, saying the accord imposed heavy burdens on the country's economy.
However, diplomats have warned that enforcing the agreement will be tougher without the participation of the USA.
Laurence Tubiana, who served as France’s climate change ambassador during the Paris negotiations, admitted that not having the US on board would impact significantly on efforts to address climate change.
"Yes, there are conversations. It would be crazy not to have them,” Laurence Tubian, said in New York.
“We are preparing for Plan B, '' she added.
Mr Trump was engaged by negotiators to keep the USA in the accord but he remained stubborn saying that the US economy was suffering because of the accord.
The notification of withdrawal will take effect one year after its submission.